Rice Owls 2026 Preview

Rice are 1-7 in 2026. They went 5-8 (2-6 in the American). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.

2025 record

5-8

Conference

American

Preseason rank

Unranked

Rice rivalry trophies

Bayou Bucket

vs Houston · since 1974 · held by Houston

Community guideFrom the BettorEdge community

What changed for Rice in 2026

By Kyle Kommes · co-host of Play Me or Fade Me · from his 2026 College Football Guide, as of July 23, 2026

Starting QB from last season is gone. UCF transfer Jacurri Brown is expected to start (3-5, 97 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT in 3 games played)
Quinton Jackson returns at RB after a 2025 season of 889 yards and 6 TDs
Top three players in terms of receiving yards from last season are gone, with the top returner being Payton Matthews (93 yards, 0 TDs)
Returning two starting offensive lineman with one transfer expected to start
Returning four starters on defense, with the top returner being LB Jo Chavez (40 tackles). Three transfers are expected to start, including Sacramento State transfer S Koa Akui (62 tackles, 5 INTs - T-4th in FCS)

Read the full 2026 CFB Guide

All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.

Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.

Rice Owls 2026 schedule

Game	Opponent	Site	Result
1	Houston Christian	Home	W 31-3
2	Notre Dame	Away	L 0-52
3	Western Michigan	Home	L 21-28
4	Fresno State	Away	L 24-38
5	UTSA	Home	L 14-16
6	East Carolina	Away	L 12-28
7	Tulsa	Home	L 17-38
8	Florida Atlantic	Away	L 49-51
9	North Texas	Away	—
10	Tulane	Home	—
11	Temple	Away	—
12	Army	Home	—

Get the printable Rice Owls 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.

More American previews

Army Black Knights Charlotte 49ers East Carolina Pirates Florida Atlantic Owls Memphis Tigers

Navy Midshipmen North Texas Mean Green South Florida Bulls Temple Owls Tulane Green Wave Tulsa Golden Hurricane UAB Blazers UTSA Roadrunners

Rice Owls betting FAQ

What is the Rice Owls 2026 schedule?

Rice Owls play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against Houston Christian. The full schedule is listed on this page.

Are the Rice Owls ranked in the 2026 preseason?

Rice is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.

Where can I bet Rice Owls games?

You can bet Rice games on BettorEdge, a peer-to-peer marketplace. Because you trade with other bettors rather than a sportsbook, the price carries no built-in house vig.

Bet Rice games without the house vig

BettorEdge is a peer-to-peer marketplace. You take the other side from another bettor, not a sportsbook.

Join BettorEdge